Having a disability wasn't going to hold one Rochester woman back from telling a story that was 20 years in the making. Jane Gefell has cerebral palsy and has a new book out about her experiences.

For Jane Gefell, writing is the best method of self expression.

"She wants the public to know what she goes through everyday,” said Kathy Blasi, Jane’s cousin.

Like being born with cerebral palsy and living much of her life in a wheelchair.

"So she's been journaling for about 20 years on her word processor and she writes about her thoughts on life and her family,” Blasi said.

Blasi compiled the 20 years of journal entries and got them published. The book is entitled "Just Like You."

"I’ve known Jane my whole life, but I have to say, I didn't really know her until now," Blasi said. "I've learned a lot about her through her writings."

Jane “tapped out” what she felt on a word processor.

"She types with the eraser tip of a pencil in her hand," said Blasi. "She sits in front of her word processor and plucks away one key at a time."

It’s that sense of determination that brought out dozens of Jane's friends for an autographed copy of her book.

"She’s a wonderful girl, she helps me out, and she delivers mail," said Nancy Straub of CP Rochester. "If your not nice to her she runs you over with her wheel chair, she's got a great sense of humor, and we lover her."

It also brought out Tom Perrault. He and Jane have been friends for the past 20 years.
Jane and his brother were in the same group home.

"And I still kept tack of Jane," said Perrault. "She's a great person, a great artist, and does great work for herself and the community and she makes everyone else feel great."

Jane turned 50 years old this week and says the best present she received was the hardcover copy of her book, "Just Like You."